Akzo, which makes the Dulux and Glidden paint brands, said the deal would "significantly boost" its market share, and while it did not give details on how it might affect profits, it did describe the profitability of the deal as "good" and better than its contract with Home Depot.

FORBES

The artists have also been helped by more than 40 volunteers and were given 200 litres of paint by Dulux.

BBC: Murals cover 1970s concrete Hardwicke Circus subways

However, there has been speculation that any takeover of ICI by Akzo could attract the attention of competition watchdogs, as Dulux has 40% of the UK paint market while Akzo's Crown Paints has 14%.

BBC: NEWS | Business | ICI snubs second offer from Akzo